Multimodality hard-x-ray imaging of a chromosome with nanoscale spatial resolution

Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 5:6:20112. doi: 10.1038/srep20112.

Abstract

We developed a scanning hard x-ray microscope using a new class of x-ray nano-focusing optic called a multilayer Laue lens and imaged a chromosome with nanoscale spatial resolution. The combination of the hard x-ray's superior penetration power, high sensitivity to elemental composition, high spatial-resolution and quantitative analysis creates a unique tool with capabilities that other microscopy techniques cannot provide. Using this microscope, we simultaneously obtained absorption-, phase-, and fluorescence-contrast images of Pt-stained human chromosome samples. The high spatial-resolution of the microscope and its multi-modality imaging capabilities enabled us to observe the internal ultra-structures of a thick chromosome without sectioning it.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Chromosomes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Platinum / chemistry
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Platinum